Rains are soaking Los Angeles for the first time in months. Is it enough to reduce wildfire risks?

"By Thursday morning, much of Southern California had already recorded some measurable rainfall, while a few inland areas were experiencing minor flooding that officials warned could get worse and spread. Much of the region remains under a flood watch through early Friday. "As the day wears on ... we could definitely start getting those heavier showers and thunderstorms developing," said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. "Some areas will have a lot of rain.""

"The most significant rainfall and strongest storms are forecast for Thursday. Most populated areas of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties can expect to get up to a quarter- to a half-inch of rain, while some mountain and desert areas could see up to an inch, according to the National Weather Service."

"FLOOD WATCH in effect for sections of #SoCal with biggest concern for the recent burn scars. - Showers/thunderstorms expected thru Thu night- Rainfall rates could exceed 0.50" per hour- Mud/debris flows possible in and around recent burn areas#CAwx pic.twitter.com/5qJFzGUksz- NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) September 17, 2025"

A strong band of moisture from a dissipated tropical storm is bringing widespread rainfall to the Los Angeles area for the first time in months. Much of Southern California recorded measurable rain by Thursday morning, with some inland locations reporting minor flooding and a region-wide flood watch through early Friday. Forecasters warned heavier showers and thunderstorms could develop later, producing heavy downpours, lightning, and strong winds. Remnants of former Tropical Storm Mario boosted humidity and increased storm chances. Most populated coastal counties can expect a quarter- to a half-inch of rain, with mountain and desert areas up to an inch. Recent burn scars face elevated mud and debris-flow risk.

Read at Los Angeles Times